#25: Angel’s Veranda
Prompt: #25
Title: Angel’s Veranda
Pairing: Chen/Lay
Rating: PG
Word Count: 3260
Summary: Jongdae is a traveler by heart with heartstrings pulled too tight and dreams of phantom love.
Jongdae is a traveler by heart. He often goes on excursions every now and then during college breaks, and days off from his part time job just to clear his mind of everything. He has done this for a number of times already after he turned twenty (and came to a realization that he needs to see the world more before he wastes it away with boring work and adult responsibilities) that his parents don’t even bat an eyelash and just wave him a safe journey. His father was hard to convince at first, adamantly asking him why it’s even needed when they, as a family, take enough vacation trips every now and then. Towards the end though, his dad finally saw through his logic after his mom had intervened and said, “We can’t just imprison him all the time. He needs a little bit of freedom. We won’t be here all the time to guide him anyway, he needs to be able to stand and see the world on his own.” His dad was quiet afterwards.
School’s been out for two weeks already and he already asked his manager for a week off from work for vacation. He’s taking his time with packing, making sure not to leave anything important behind. He packs just enough clothes and some extras in case of emergency. He brings along with him his laptop, DSLR camera, video camera, his trusty smartphone, and their respective chargers. After he deems himself all packed up and ready to go, he heads to his two brothers’ rooms to check whether they were also all good. It’s been a while since they all went somewhere with just themselves.
He knocks on his youngest brother’s door twice then barges inside. “You got everything, Jongin?”
Jongin looks up from where he’s haphazardly situated on top of his luggage case, his attempt to keep his belongings inside superfluous and a failure at the same time. Jongdae purses his lips at the sight. “Almost. Just give me a few more minutes.”
Jongdae raises an eyebrow but decides to humor him, “Okay. I’ll check on Junmyeon hyung then.” The moment he was about to open his older brother’s door, it opened up on its own accord, almost hitting him right on the nose.
“Oh, Jongdae!” Junmyeon’s eyes widen a little. “I didn’t see you there! Did I hit you?”
Jongdae shakes his head, “No, but you almost did. Have you finished packing?”
Junmyeon hums, “Almost done, just need to pack some of my face lotions, sunblock and the rest.”
“I forget, you turn into a tomato after just an hour of sun exposure without any sun protection,” Jongdae cackles. Junmyeon hits him in the shoulder half-heartedly with a meek shut up. “Well, while you guys finish up packing, I’ll go load my stuff in the car already.”
Jongdae heads downstairs and as he passes by the hallway near the kitchen his mom pipes a reminder to not forget the food and beverage supply she had packed for them prior the night before. He thanks his mom profusely for the kind gesture. His dad sits by the living room adjacent to the kitchen area and passes a glance at him before looking down at his phone. “Make sure to check the car’s battery and tires are okay and good to go. Also, don’t forget to look at the gas tank every now and then. Otherwise, you guys might just end up getting stranded in the middle of the freeway all of a sudden.”
“I got it, we’ll make sure to remember that.”
Loading all their belongings in their compact Toyota car was easy and they made their journey shortly after they bid their goodbyes to their parents. Their parents’ faces sporting a serene but mild somber look.
The drive from sunny California to Oregon was long. It consisted of too many stops at the rest areas they pass by because of Junmyeon’s tiny bladder, the constant switch of drivers every now and then, and Jongin’s perpetually hungry stomach (they could probably live off for a week with the supply their mom had packed but Jongin is whiny and demands hot food for his cold and upset stomach). There wasn’t anything memorable for Jongdae as they pass by the scenery but if there was anything that stood out, it was the hot temperature. The farther they went up North, the hotter and denser the air became. It was worse when they stopped by Reddings for fuel; the sun too bright on their eyes and the air warm, and thick like a blanket causing rivulets of sweat to fall from their faces. Jongdae can’t wait for the change in weather once they reach Oregon.
Except the weather wasn't going to be any better as their weather app has forecasted once they arrived at the neighboring state. Oregon's having a hot week with the temperature going above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, higher than what they're accustomed to. They booked a hotel room at Holiday's Inn Canyonville and decided it would be their home base for three days. Enough time to go to the beach, fish at the Rogue River and take scenery pictures.
The minute the brothers set foot inside their room, they immediately dumped their belongings on the floor and ravished a portion of their mother's packed food. They then proceeded to wash up and fall asleep quite instantly after laying down on the soft mattress, bodies spent from the long travel and uncomfortable car seats.
The very next day, they drove towards the beach, hoping to find reprieve from the heat. A few hours into the drive, when they’re hundreds of miles away from their hotel, the bright sunny sky morphed into Oregon’s trademark gray and bleary shade. They stop over at some unknown beach nearby South Jetty's sand dunes.
They picked a decently empty side with only a few people besides them. The clouds are a bit somber but the sun's peeking at any chance it could get so it was warm despite the cool sea breeze. The brothers make their way towards a comfortable spot, the sand warm and inviting in between their toes. It was a good day for a lunch picnic by the beach.
The brothers enjoyed a quiet meal, silently taking in the blueness of the icy cold water, eyes focusing to nothing in particular in the distance. Jongdae took a few pictures of the sea and sky. He was amazed at how the weather made the two elements blend in perfect harmony, the sea and sky was barely distinguished in the picture. Where one ends and both meets could hardly be seen, it created a deeming sense of endlessness. As Jongdae tries to focus on the middle thin line where the water and sky dance closely to one another, he sees a black object floating. It looked like a ball from a distance but as it nears the shore bit by bit, he can see something white following the black thing and he thinks it sort of resembles a shirt. Jongdae pales as he processes what the floating object could be and hurriedly gives his camera to a confused Jongin who has his mouth stuffed with chicken sandwich. Jongdae hurries towards the water, clumsily folding his pants up to his knees at the same time, his shoes and socks tossed behind him without care. Junmyeon yells his name behind him, wondering what the hell he’s doing running off to the cold tendrils of the sea.
Jongdae retrieves the body of an unconscious man, unmindful of the cold that seeps through his pants and ignored the numbing feel of the water. “Hey! Wake up!” The body doesn’t stir; however, Jongdae’s determined and checks for a pulse. He hears a faint thrumming and performs cpr to the man. He faintly hopes all those high school first aid lessons stuck through. Footsteps sounded from behind him and he knows it’s his brothers, curious at the scene unfolding in front of them.
“Is he alive, hyung?” Jongin peeks above his head, eyes attracted at the image of his older brother performing cpr to a stranger.
“Jongin, don’t distract him! He’s trying to keep the man away from the brink of death, Jesus!” Junmyeon thumps the back of the youngest’s head.
Minutes later, after the vigorous effort Jongdae exerted upon rescuing the man, the result was positive. The man opened his eyes and started coughing up excess water he had consumed. The guy looked extremely freezing, evident by the way his shoulders shake even as he hacks up a lung. Jongdae wordlessly drapes his jacket over the guy, worry pooling in his eyes. “Hey, are you alright?”
The man glances his way, soft brown eyes widening ever so slowly. “I-” He clears his throat, willing the raspiness of his voice to decrease in volume, “I’m alright. Just drank too much sea water.”
Junmyeon looks at Jongin, commanding the latter to go get water for the man through his eyes. The youngest makes a face but acquiesces the demand.
Jongin comes back with a bottle of water and towels for the man. Three pairs of eyes watch intently as the man gulps down the water at an alarming fast rate. It takes a moment before the man quenches his thirst and realizes that he's stared upon. He blushes a bit and covers himself more with the towels, bashful from the attention.
Jongdae clears his throat, "So, umm, are you okay now?" The guy nods. "Can you tell us what happened back there?" The stranger's forehead wrinkles, confused by the question. "You drowned and almost died. Don't you remember what happened?" The man stills and gazes up ahead, eyes focused a hundred miles away.
Jongin grumbles, "Do you have a name at least? Or do you not know that too?"
Junmyeon reprimands the youngest but halts after an unfamiliar voice speaks up. "My name's Yixing, and I'm more than thousands of miles away from home."
"Okay, Yixing, can you please tell us what happened and what might have caused you to drown?" Junmyeon directs his attention to him.
Yixing has a wispy, longing look painted on his face. "I was desperate, I couldn't find my way back."
Jongdae raises a brow in suspicion, "So you decided to throw yourself at the sea and prayed you could magically swim back home?" Junmyeon clears his throat. "What? It was a ridiculous idea!"
"No, I fell down. It was too windy, I lost momentum and then crashed down," Yixing calmly explained.
The brothers looked at each other, there were no nearby cliffs to fall down from. What was he talking about? Did he mean he fell from the stone walkway just a mile away from their spot?
"Anyway," Jongdae continued after the momentary pause, "do you at least have a contact number of anyone you know near here?"
Yixing scowls lightly and shakes his head. "They're all too far from here."
The three brothers looked at each other again. They'll need to discuss about this matter later. "Well, since we can't just leave you alone here," Junmyeon hesitates. "Come and travel with us. We're heading up North, and who knows we might actually perchance pass by a state someone you know lives in." Jongdae and Jongin grunt in affirmation.
They head further up north, stopping over Portland for two days only. The air is cooler so their skin gets to breathe freely. They spent most of their two days just walking around the downtown area looking for knick knacks and restaurants to try out. The brothers got to know Yixing a bit more despite the many secrets he’s holding back on them. Especially about his origin.
As Yixing strings along with the brothers, his heart feels heavy with the prospect of actually being further apart from his destination rather than becoming closer. He didn’t have the gall to speak of it though, he had come to adore the three brothers’ antics, especially the middle brother's.
It’s raining in Portland and Yixing’s left alone with Jongdae as the other two brothers went out to grab some take outs. Yixing’s sitting down with his knees pressed to his chest and chin tucked on his arms in front of the window of the cheap hotel room they’re staying at. His eyes are locked on the fat droplets of water hitting the glass with its rhythmic thunk. The sky’s calling out for him, crying for him to come home.
“Yixing,” Jongdae calls out to him from the queen sized bed, body sprawled out carelessly as he pays no attention to the show running on the TV screen. “Why are you over there? Aren’t you cold?”
“No,” He muffles out and Jongdae just hums.
It’s quiet afterwards, things still a bit awkward between the two. Yixing hears slight rustling of sheets but bears it no mind, Jongdae must be rearranging his form on the bed again. A light weight settles on his shoulders and he glances down to see it was the bed’s comforter. He looks beside him to see Jongdae settling down on the floor, hands busily arranging the comforter so it cocoons them both in warmth.
Jongdae clears his throat, eyes staring outside. “Are you warm enough?”
Yixing eyes his side profile, “Yes, thank you.” He continues to peer at Jongdae even long after the latter dozed off, eyes a curious soft shade.
The drive up north continues until they reach Port Angeles, Washington. They spent one night there and inquired of the ship that leaves for Victoria, British Columbia. They all went to bed before 10 pm to rise early and catch the first departure to Canada.
They brought their car with them to the ship, the queue to the inside an hour long. The inside of the ship was a pleasant surprise. They provided cushioned seats comfortable for the two hour long ride. The trip consisted of hour long naps and snack consumptions before they docked to Victoria.
Victoria was dark and raining when they docked, wind chilly and wet to their faces. They then proceeded to the Butchart Gardens, a place recommended by their aunt. It was ruins their image of manliness but in retrospect, they didn’t really think about this crossing the border thing thoroughly.
They took their time exploring the gardens, borrowed clear umbrellas in hand as they stroll around. It must be the idea of stepping into a new foreign land that makes their mouth open a bit in awe at the scenery. Jongdae hungrily takes in the scene and doesn’t forget to take shots at every passing point. He doesn’t like to admit it but most of his shots were of Yixing staring afar the distance, serene face a bewitching expression his eyes.
An hour into the tour, the skies opened up and made way for the sun. It was a lovely weather and it made the walk to the roses garden lovelier. They also visited the Japanese garden, a seeming tranquil place.
Jongdae kissed Yixing behind a tree as they got separated from Jongin and Junmyeon. Jongdae didn’t mean for it to happen. He was just taking pictures innocently when he turned the focus on Yixing with his eyes closed. His breath catches at the sight of long lashes fanned out and pink lips forming a peaceful smile. He couldn’t resist it. He had to kiss it to attest if such beauty were truly real. Thus he kissed an unsuspecting Yixing, a mere brush of lips.
Yixing opens his eyes by surprise, a red faced equally astonished Jongdae standing in front of him. He shyly hides his slight smile with the back of his hand, offering no words to the perpetrator. However, the walk back to their car and the rest of the duration of their trip back to Washington was seen with their pinkies linked together. Junmyeon and Jongin made no comment, but they gave knowing looks to the couple.
They stop by Oregon one last time before they venture back to California, hoping to find any of Yixing’s friends or relatives. They drove to the beach where they last found him and met a guy with honey blonde hair, and wide doe eyes who claims to be Luhan, Yixing’s friend. The beseeching look he gives to Yixing was disconcerting for Jongdae. There’s something about it that doesn’t settle right with him.
Luhan offered them to stay at his place that night before going back to California. He had a quaint house just a few miles away from the beach. There were thankfully two guest rooms and one of them Jongdae shared with Yixing.
The two lovers didn’t sleep immediately that night, hearts heavy at the prospect of parting ways (Yixing’s more heavier at the thought of never being close to Jongdae anymore once he returns). They lay in bed staring at each other’s eyes, morose swimming in their vision. They kiss for a long time, breaths coming short and erratic but unwilling to part for air. Jongdae kisses Yixing’s forehead and wishes good night, his whispers of I love you’s wafting through the thick, heavy air. Yixing presses his lips to Jongdae’s one last time, his reciprocation of I love you too’s seeping through Jongdae’s skin and filling each of their hearts warmth and sorrow.
Jongdae wakes up the next morning with an empty heart and a lone white feather lying atop his pillow. He frowns at the object before plucking it and cradling it against his chest, tears plopping down his face for reasons unknown. He keeps the feather.
The drive back to California was anticlimactic, the brothers caught in a despondent cloud. They bid farewell to their cousin Luhan, not forgetting to thank him for his hospitality. They take turns hugging him but Luhan lingers on Jongdae’s hug longer, offering the younger a bittersweet smile and a soft whisper of good luck in his ears. Jongdae gives Luhan an inquiring look which the latter dutifully ignores.
Jongdae clutches his bed sheets and pillow painfully hard, eyebrows furrowing in distress. There’s a person in the back corners of his mind desperately calling out to him. He sees him in his dreams but the face is always a blur, back always turning and walking away from him when he gets closer. He calls out the person’s name, but of whose name it belongs to he doesn’t know. ‘No, please come back’ he would plead, the other won’t hear. He wakes up drenched in his sweat and flowing tears. He heaves deep breaths, lungs constricting really tight and heart bleeding in agony. He cries himself to sleep, breathing a little easier but his heart even more emptier. The moonlight that filters through his blinds kiss him good night.
Above, floating in the clouds, Yixing observes his love through the gaps of the clouds and tries to reach him through the moonlight. He misses Jongdae so badly, heartstrings pulled too tight and breathing labored from the intense longing. He kisses his lover good night every chance he gets when the moon is at its brightest and his connection to the mortal world most stable. He comes in the form of moonlight and caresses his beloved dearly with the utmost care he can muster. ‘I love you, don’t forget it’ is whispered to the wind, blindly hoping it reaches its destination even if only in his lover’s dreams. His phantom touches leaving Jongdae’s skin tingling, bringing comfort to both their hearts.
In another lifetime, my love.
Author’s note: I’m sorry OP, the plot kinda went way off. I hope you still like it though.
Title: Angel’s Veranda
Pairing: Chen/Lay
Rating: PG
Word Count: 3260
Summary: Jongdae is a traveler by heart with heartstrings pulled too tight and dreams of phantom love.
Jongdae is a traveler by heart. He often goes on excursions every now and then during college breaks, and days off from his part time job just to clear his mind of everything. He has done this for a number of times already after he turned twenty (and came to a realization that he needs to see the world more before he wastes it away with boring work and adult responsibilities) that his parents don’t even bat an eyelash and just wave him a safe journey. His father was hard to convince at first, adamantly asking him why it’s even needed when they, as a family, take enough vacation trips every now and then. Towards the end though, his dad finally saw through his logic after his mom had intervened and said, “We can’t just imprison him all the time. He needs a little bit of freedom. We won’t be here all the time to guide him anyway, he needs to be able to stand and see the world on his own.” His dad was quiet afterwards.
School’s been out for two weeks already and he already asked his manager for a week off from work for vacation. He’s taking his time with packing, making sure not to leave anything important behind. He packs just enough clothes and some extras in case of emergency. He brings along with him his laptop, DSLR camera, video camera, his trusty smartphone, and their respective chargers. After he deems himself all packed up and ready to go, he heads to his two brothers’ rooms to check whether they were also all good. It’s been a while since they all went somewhere with just themselves.
He knocks on his youngest brother’s door twice then barges inside. “You got everything, Jongin?”
Jongin looks up from where he’s haphazardly situated on top of his luggage case, his attempt to keep his belongings inside superfluous and a failure at the same time. Jongdae purses his lips at the sight. “Almost. Just give me a few more minutes.”
Jongdae raises an eyebrow but decides to humor him, “Okay. I’ll check on Junmyeon hyung then.” The moment he was about to open his older brother’s door, it opened up on its own accord, almost hitting him right on the nose.
“Oh, Jongdae!” Junmyeon’s eyes widen a little. “I didn’t see you there! Did I hit you?”
Jongdae shakes his head, “No, but you almost did. Have you finished packing?”
Junmyeon hums, “Almost done, just need to pack some of my face lotions, sunblock and the rest.”
“I forget, you turn into a tomato after just an hour of sun exposure without any sun protection,” Jongdae cackles. Junmyeon hits him in the shoulder half-heartedly with a meek shut up. “Well, while you guys finish up packing, I’ll go load my stuff in the car already.”
Jongdae heads downstairs and as he passes by the hallway near the kitchen his mom pipes a reminder to not forget the food and beverage supply she had packed for them prior the night before. He thanks his mom profusely for the kind gesture. His dad sits by the living room adjacent to the kitchen area and passes a glance at him before looking down at his phone. “Make sure to check the car’s battery and tires are okay and good to go. Also, don’t forget to look at the gas tank every now and then. Otherwise, you guys might just end up getting stranded in the middle of the freeway all of a sudden.”
“I got it, we’ll make sure to remember that.”
Loading all their belongings in their compact Toyota car was easy and they made their journey shortly after they bid their goodbyes to their parents. Their parents’ faces sporting a serene but mild somber look.
The drive from sunny California to Oregon was long. It consisted of too many stops at the rest areas they pass by because of Junmyeon’s tiny bladder, the constant switch of drivers every now and then, and Jongin’s perpetually hungry stomach (they could probably live off for a week with the supply their mom had packed but Jongin is whiny and demands hot food for his cold and upset stomach). There wasn’t anything memorable for Jongdae as they pass by the scenery but if there was anything that stood out, it was the hot temperature. The farther they went up North, the hotter and denser the air became. It was worse when they stopped by Reddings for fuel; the sun too bright on their eyes and the air warm, and thick like a blanket causing rivulets of sweat to fall from their faces. Jongdae can’t wait for the change in weather once they reach Oregon.
Except the weather wasn't going to be any better as their weather app has forecasted once they arrived at the neighboring state. Oregon's having a hot week with the temperature going above 85 degrees Fahrenheit, higher than what they're accustomed to. They booked a hotel room at Holiday's Inn Canyonville and decided it would be their home base for three days. Enough time to go to the beach, fish at the Rogue River and take scenery pictures.
The minute the brothers set foot inside their room, they immediately dumped their belongings on the floor and ravished a portion of their mother's packed food. They then proceeded to wash up and fall asleep quite instantly after laying down on the soft mattress, bodies spent from the long travel and uncomfortable car seats.
The very next day, they drove towards the beach, hoping to find reprieve from the heat. A few hours into the drive, when they’re hundreds of miles away from their hotel, the bright sunny sky morphed into Oregon’s trademark gray and bleary shade. They stop over at some unknown beach nearby South Jetty's sand dunes.
They picked a decently empty side with only a few people besides them. The clouds are a bit somber but the sun's peeking at any chance it could get so it was warm despite the cool sea breeze. The brothers make their way towards a comfortable spot, the sand warm and inviting in between their toes. It was a good day for a lunch picnic by the beach.
The brothers enjoyed a quiet meal, silently taking in the blueness of the icy cold water, eyes focusing to nothing in particular in the distance. Jongdae took a few pictures of the sea and sky. He was amazed at how the weather made the two elements blend in perfect harmony, the sea and sky was barely distinguished in the picture. Where one ends and both meets could hardly be seen, it created a deeming sense of endlessness. As Jongdae tries to focus on the middle thin line where the water and sky dance closely to one another, he sees a black object floating. It looked like a ball from a distance but as it nears the shore bit by bit, he can see something white following the black thing and he thinks it sort of resembles a shirt. Jongdae pales as he processes what the floating object could be and hurriedly gives his camera to a confused Jongin who has his mouth stuffed with chicken sandwich. Jongdae hurries towards the water, clumsily folding his pants up to his knees at the same time, his shoes and socks tossed behind him without care. Junmyeon yells his name behind him, wondering what the hell he’s doing running off to the cold tendrils of the sea.
Jongdae retrieves the body of an unconscious man, unmindful of the cold that seeps through his pants and ignored the numbing feel of the water. “Hey! Wake up!” The body doesn’t stir; however, Jongdae’s determined and checks for a pulse. He hears a faint thrumming and performs cpr to the man. He faintly hopes all those high school first aid lessons stuck through. Footsteps sounded from behind him and he knows it’s his brothers, curious at the scene unfolding in front of them.
“Is he alive, hyung?” Jongin peeks above his head, eyes attracted at the image of his older brother performing cpr to a stranger.
“Jongin, don’t distract him! He’s trying to keep the man away from the brink of death, Jesus!” Junmyeon thumps the back of the youngest’s head.
Minutes later, after the vigorous effort Jongdae exerted upon rescuing the man, the result was positive. The man opened his eyes and started coughing up excess water he had consumed. The guy looked extremely freezing, evident by the way his shoulders shake even as he hacks up a lung. Jongdae wordlessly drapes his jacket over the guy, worry pooling in his eyes. “Hey, are you alright?”
The man glances his way, soft brown eyes widening ever so slowly. “I-” He clears his throat, willing the raspiness of his voice to decrease in volume, “I’m alright. Just drank too much sea water.”
Junmyeon looks at Jongin, commanding the latter to go get water for the man through his eyes. The youngest makes a face but acquiesces the demand.
Jongin comes back with a bottle of water and towels for the man. Three pairs of eyes watch intently as the man gulps down the water at an alarming fast rate. It takes a moment before the man quenches his thirst and realizes that he's stared upon. He blushes a bit and covers himself more with the towels, bashful from the attention.
Jongdae clears his throat, "So, umm, are you okay now?" The guy nods. "Can you tell us what happened back there?" The stranger's forehead wrinkles, confused by the question. "You drowned and almost died. Don't you remember what happened?" The man stills and gazes up ahead, eyes focused a hundred miles away.
Jongin grumbles, "Do you have a name at least? Or do you not know that too?"
Junmyeon reprimands the youngest but halts after an unfamiliar voice speaks up. "My name's Yixing, and I'm more than thousands of miles away from home."
"Okay, Yixing, can you please tell us what happened and what might have caused you to drown?" Junmyeon directs his attention to him.
Yixing has a wispy, longing look painted on his face. "I was desperate, I couldn't find my way back."
Jongdae raises a brow in suspicion, "So you decided to throw yourself at the sea and prayed you could magically swim back home?" Junmyeon clears his throat. "What? It was a ridiculous idea!"
"No, I fell down. It was too windy, I lost momentum and then crashed down," Yixing calmly explained.
The brothers looked at each other, there were no nearby cliffs to fall down from. What was he talking about? Did he mean he fell from the stone walkway just a mile away from their spot?
"Anyway," Jongdae continued after the momentary pause, "do you at least have a contact number of anyone you know near here?"
Yixing scowls lightly and shakes his head. "They're all too far from here."
The three brothers looked at each other again. They'll need to discuss about this matter later. "Well, since we can't just leave you alone here," Junmyeon hesitates. "Come and travel with us. We're heading up North, and who knows we might actually perchance pass by a state someone you know lives in." Jongdae and Jongin grunt in affirmation.
They head further up north, stopping over Portland for two days only. The air is cooler so their skin gets to breathe freely. They spent most of their two days just walking around the downtown area looking for knick knacks and restaurants to try out. The brothers got to know Yixing a bit more despite the many secrets he’s holding back on them. Especially about his origin.
As Yixing strings along with the brothers, his heart feels heavy with the prospect of actually being further apart from his destination rather than becoming closer. He didn’t have the gall to speak of it though, he had come to adore the three brothers’ antics, especially the middle brother's.
It’s raining in Portland and Yixing’s left alone with Jongdae as the other two brothers went out to grab some take outs. Yixing’s sitting down with his knees pressed to his chest and chin tucked on his arms in front of the window of the cheap hotel room they’re staying at. His eyes are locked on the fat droplets of water hitting the glass with its rhythmic thunk. The sky’s calling out for him, crying for him to come home.
“Yixing,” Jongdae calls out to him from the queen sized bed, body sprawled out carelessly as he pays no attention to the show running on the TV screen. “Why are you over there? Aren’t you cold?”
“No,” He muffles out and Jongdae just hums.
It’s quiet afterwards, things still a bit awkward between the two. Yixing hears slight rustling of sheets but bears it no mind, Jongdae must be rearranging his form on the bed again. A light weight settles on his shoulders and he glances down to see it was the bed’s comforter. He looks beside him to see Jongdae settling down on the floor, hands busily arranging the comforter so it cocoons them both in warmth.
Jongdae clears his throat, eyes staring outside. “Are you warm enough?”
Yixing eyes his side profile, “Yes, thank you.” He continues to peer at Jongdae even long after the latter dozed off, eyes a curious soft shade.
The drive up north continues until they reach Port Angeles, Washington. They spent one night there and inquired of the ship that leaves for Victoria, British Columbia. They all went to bed before 10 pm to rise early and catch the first departure to Canada.
They brought their car with them to the ship, the queue to the inside an hour long. The inside of the ship was a pleasant surprise. They provided cushioned seats comfortable for the two hour long ride. The trip consisted of hour long naps and snack consumptions before they docked to Victoria.
Victoria was dark and raining when they docked, wind chilly and wet to their faces. They then proceeded to the Butchart Gardens, a place recommended by their aunt. It was ruins their image of manliness but in retrospect, they didn’t really think about this crossing the border thing thoroughly.
They took their time exploring the gardens, borrowed clear umbrellas in hand as they stroll around. It must be the idea of stepping into a new foreign land that makes their mouth open a bit in awe at the scenery. Jongdae hungrily takes in the scene and doesn’t forget to take shots at every passing point. He doesn’t like to admit it but most of his shots were of Yixing staring afar the distance, serene face a bewitching expression his eyes.
An hour into the tour, the skies opened up and made way for the sun. It was a lovely weather and it made the walk to the roses garden lovelier. They also visited the Japanese garden, a seeming tranquil place.
Jongdae kissed Yixing behind a tree as they got separated from Jongin and Junmyeon. Jongdae didn’t mean for it to happen. He was just taking pictures innocently when he turned the focus on Yixing with his eyes closed. His breath catches at the sight of long lashes fanned out and pink lips forming a peaceful smile. He couldn’t resist it. He had to kiss it to attest if such beauty were truly real. Thus he kissed an unsuspecting Yixing, a mere brush of lips.
Yixing opens his eyes by surprise, a red faced equally astonished Jongdae standing in front of him. He shyly hides his slight smile with the back of his hand, offering no words to the perpetrator. However, the walk back to their car and the rest of the duration of their trip back to Washington was seen with their pinkies linked together. Junmyeon and Jongin made no comment, but they gave knowing looks to the couple.
They stop by Oregon one last time before they venture back to California, hoping to find any of Yixing’s friends or relatives. They drove to the beach where they last found him and met a guy with honey blonde hair, and wide doe eyes who claims to be Luhan, Yixing’s friend. The beseeching look he gives to Yixing was disconcerting for Jongdae. There’s something about it that doesn’t settle right with him.
Luhan offered them to stay at his place that night before going back to California. He had a quaint house just a few miles away from the beach. There were thankfully two guest rooms and one of them Jongdae shared with Yixing.
The two lovers didn’t sleep immediately that night, hearts heavy at the prospect of parting ways (Yixing’s more heavier at the thought of never being close to Jongdae anymore once he returns). They lay in bed staring at each other’s eyes, morose swimming in their vision. They kiss for a long time, breaths coming short and erratic but unwilling to part for air. Jongdae kisses Yixing’s forehead and wishes good night, his whispers of I love you’s wafting through the thick, heavy air. Yixing presses his lips to Jongdae’s one last time, his reciprocation of I love you too’s seeping through Jongdae’s skin and filling each of their hearts warmth and sorrow.
Jongdae wakes up the next morning with an empty heart and a lone white feather lying atop his pillow. He frowns at the object before plucking it and cradling it against his chest, tears plopping down his face for reasons unknown. He keeps the feather.
The drive back to California was anticlimactic, the brothers caught in a despondent cloud. They bid farewell to their cousin Luhan, not forgetting to thank him for his hospitality. They take turns hugging him but Luhan lingers on Jongdae’s hug longer, offering the younger a bittersweet smile and a soft whisper of good luck in his ears. Jongdae gives Luhan an inquiring look which the latter dutifully ignores.
Jongdae clutches his bed sheets and pillow painfully hard, eyebrows furrowing in distress. There’s a person in the back corners of his mind desperately calling out to him. He sees him in his dreams but the face is always a blur, back always turning and walking away from him when he gets closer. He calls out the person’s name, but of whose name it belongs to he doesn’t know. ‘No, please come back’ he would plead, the other won’t hear. He wakes up drenched in his sweat and flowing tears. He heaves deep breaths, lungs constricting really tight and heart bleeding in agony. He cries himself to sleep, breathing a little easier but his heart even more emptier. The moonlight that filters through his blinds kiss him good night.
Above, floating in the clouds, Yixing observes his love through the gaps of the clouds and tries to reach him through the moonlight. He misses Jongdae so badly, heartstrings pulled too tight and breathing labored from the intense longing. He kisses his lover good night every chance he gets when the moon is at its brightest and his connection to the mortal world most stable. He comes in the form of moonlight and caresses his beloved dearly with the utmost care he can muster. ‘I love you, don’t forget it’ is whispered to the wind, blindly hoping it reaches its destination even if only in his lover’s dreams. His phantom touches leaving Jongdae’s skin tingling, bringing comfort to both their hearts.
In another lifetime, my love.
Author’s note: I’m sorry OP, the plot kinda went way off. I hope you still like it though.